Koolstops and brake squeal
 

I switched my Nuovo Record brakes over to Koolstop Salmon (from Campy pads) and I have had nothing but squeal from them ever since. Rims are anodized Mavic MA-40s.

I took a rasp to them to get some more toe in (not wanting to bend the arms). Worked for awhile, but now it is back. I just put the Campy pads back in, but was wondering if there is anything else I can do to the Koolstops? Or another pad to try? I read some stuff on the Mechanics forum (BonAmi cleanser, etc.). As for cleaning the pads, what would you use?

I'm asking here (instead of Mechanics) because you all seem to know your stuff on vintage equipment and I thought I might get a better answer here.

I have Koolstops on a set of Weinmann center pulls and Mafac competitions and I get less squeal, especially on the Mafacs.

Make sure your rims are clean and clean the pad faces. I use alcohol wipes for cleaning. Check the toe again, you may have worn it off.

Aaron :)

If you have the clearance, try the Kool-Stop pads that have the adjustable cups; very easy to add toe-in. I know what you mean about squeal. I have some ThinLine pads mounted on Weinmann centerpulls, I'd read somewhere that Kool-Stops should not be installed with toe-in, some crap about it's built into the pad shape. Well that didn't work. They're fine when toed-in, though. However, they are sensitive to filth/grease/oil on the rim surface and pads, and will resume squealing. I lubricate with oil, and I need to occasionally clean rims and pads thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol.

I'm using Koolstops on Weinmann centerpulls and have no squeal at all.

Re: the adjustable cups, are you referring to using something like the Shimano holders (I think koolstop calls these a Dura Road Holder)? Or something else? I had looked at those and wondered whether they would work or not.

+1 for MAFAC and Kool-Stop. And another +1 for clean rims. You stop shorter, quieter, and your bike looks better.

For what it is worth, my NR calipers squaled like mad after switching to salmon Koolstops. You are not alone!

Squealy Weinmanns with Kool Stop salmons on a Super Course here!

FWIW...No squeal with Kool Stop blacks on Mafacs on the PR10 or Kool Stop salmons on cantis on the Rockhopper.

http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/index...-Include-12175
Take your choice. The first ones are the ThinLine that I have, but mine are salmon-colored, not magenta!

http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/thinline.jpghttp://www.koolstop.com/brakes/V-BrakeHolder,jpghttp://www.koolstop.com/brakes/Eagle2Threaded.jpg
http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/eagleclaw.gifhttp://www.koolstop.com/brakes/supra.gif

+1 I have Koolstop Salmon's as well, and whenever I wash my bike with Simple Green, etc. I get that squeak in the front brake. The solution is to just lightly rub the rim and pads with a fine grit sandpaper. I also toe them in by using a zip tie on the back side of the pad. NO SOUND after that. If I don't do those things, it can get pretty embarrassing.

I have found the opposite. When I installed Kool-Stop inserts on my Deore LX Vs on my Bianchi, the squealing I had previously experienced was gone. They don't stop any better than Aztec 2 inserts though, which are my first choice.

Salmon KoolStops on SR sidepulls and GL330 - Squeals. I have bee trying to slow slower and at low preasures they work fine, it is when you really apply the brakes that it gets bad.

Yeah, those might work. The ones I was thinking of are these:
http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/DuraHolder.jpg

Or possibly these: Campi Road Holder 8/9 speed Record group
http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/CampiHolder.jpg